Campaign launched to raise awareness of skin cancer symptoms

A new campaign has been launched by the Melanoma Taskforce and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) to assist those in the beauty industry identify signs of skin cancer in their clients, which could help people seek cancer treatment earlier.

Several high-profile celebrities have given their backing to the initiative, including Hollyoaks star Gemma Merna and actress and TV presenter Amanda Holden.

Sian James MP, chair of the Melanoma Taskforce, said it is vital that action is taken when the signs of skin cancer begin to develop.

This is a view reinforced by professor Chris Bunker, president-elect of the BAD, who stated that many people have a lackadaisical attitude towards melanoma.

"It seems that changes to our skin are not always something we feel deserves immediate attention. This demonstrates the need to take our messages out to a wider audience," he added.

Statistics from Cancer Research UK show that in 2008, 11,770 new cases of malignant melanoma were diagnosed in the UK.